Stomachache

Abdominal pain is a common symptom that can stem from a variety of causes, both mild and serious. If abdominal pain persists for a long time or is severe, don't delay seeing a doctor. Due to the complexity of the digestive tract and the many organs within the abdomen, it's important to understand the potential sources of pain and determine when specialist medical attention is required.

Stomach pain – where does it come from, causes?

Abdominal pain can be caused by many different factors, such as inflammation, poisoning, or irritation of the gastric mucosa by chemicals. The most common causes of abdominal pain include:

• Digestive disorders such as heartburn, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome.
• Gastrointestinal infections, e.g. food poisoning.
• Inflammations, for example appendicitis, cholecystitis.
• Chronic diseases such as intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Gynecological problems in women, such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Symptoms accompanying abdominal pain

Sometimes abdominal pain does not occur alone, it may be accompanied by a number of other symptoms that often help identify its cause:

• nausea and vomiting,
• changes in bowel movements, e.g. diarrhea or constipation,
• fever,
• bloating and gas,
• loss of appetite.

When should you go for tests if you have abdominal pain?

Treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause. For mild symptoms, such as indigestion, dietary and lifestyle changes can help. Over-the-counter medications, such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories, can be used to relieve pain.

In the case of more severe or chronic conditions, specialist medical care, abdominal ultrasound, and treatment selected by the doctor based on the test results and examination of the patient may be necessary.

When should a patient seek medical advice?

Consultation with a doctor is recommended when:

• Abdominal pain is intense, sudden, or lasts for a long time.
• It is accompanied by other disturbing symptoms, such as high fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, and severe vomiting.
• Pain prevents normal functioning.

Abdominal pain can have many causes and isn't always a cause for concern. However, if symptoms are severe, sudden, or persistent, it's important not to ignore them and to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Recurrent abdominal pain, even mild, should not be ignored. Early diagnosis can prevent more serious health problems.